Yesterday a "league source" told PFT that Coach Cowher and the Redskins had met to discuss the Chin's possible landing in Washington as soon as 2008. A "league source" is a fairly typical source for PFT and, although I value that site immensely for its commentary and news, which is frequently correct, it was labeled a rumor here. Phew.
With at hat tip to my amigo Anthony Brown at Hog Heaven, the Official Site issued the following statement:
"No one at the Washington Redskins has had any meetings or discussions with Bill Cowher or anyone else regarding any coaching position with the Redskins."
The fascinating part of the story for me was that the team officially responded to Pro Football Talk. That's a tacit acknowledgment of that site's legitimacy, even if it is a denial, and in spite of the fact that PFT is not affiliated with any news network. That an NFL team felt the need to deny reports from Mike Florio at PFT tells us at a minimum that teams read his website. It also tells us that he's credible enough to pipe down -- the team certainly wouldn't respond to any random rumor I started on this website, because I don't have a history of being correct in the past nor do I have any associations with credible sources. Also I'm kind of an idiot.
So congratulations to PFT for establishing relevance; I'm jealous. And good on the Redskins for embracing an alternative news source, even if it was just to deny their reports. That shows a level of internet savvy and awareness that is commendable, and I believe the team is way ahead of the curve in that regard.
As of right now PFT has not responded, though I'll try and update here when he does.
NBC 4, Cowher Planning A Return To Coaching? Redskins Deny Involvement
Running Redskins, No conversation with coach Chin